There’s No Christian Genocide in Nigeria, Tinubu Says, Blames Insecurity on Criminality and Extremism
President Bola Tinubu has rejected claims that Christians are being specifically targeted in Nigeria, stressing that both Christians and Muslims face the same threats from terrorism.
He made the remarks on Friday in Abuja while inaugurating the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.” Tinubu was represented at the event by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
According to Tinubu, the country’s insecurity stems from historical, economic, and criminal factors, not religious persecution. He said terrorism in Nigeria is driven by criminality and extremism, affecting all citizens regardless of faith.
His statement comes after former US President Donald Trump claimed that Christians in Nigeria were being persecuted and threatened military intervention if the government did not act. Trump had labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” prompting the government to send a delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to brief US lawmakers on the nation’s security challenges.
Speaking at the NASFAT event, Tinubu said: “In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations. These allegations are not only false but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the peaceful coexistence we continue to build as a nation. Nigeria’s response was clear, firm and measured. We reaffirmed that our nation does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group. Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Muslims and Christians alike stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter.
“As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility and fidelity to the Constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria. What we have is terrorism driven by criminality and extremism—challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
He emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting national unity, religious freedom, and the security of every citizen, warning against narratives that could sow division.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability of its people to coexist peacefully while practicing different faiths,” he said. He also commended NASFAT for its work in fostering moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity as tools for national unity.
Keynote speaker Dr Nurudeen Lemu urged Muslims to remain steadfast in faith and optimistic despite the country’s challenges.
